Holiday Gift Guide For Chic Cinephiles: Part 5 — Adorkable Gifts Inspired By The New Girl‘s Jessica Day
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it’s time to get serious about holiday shopping! Thus far, we’ve revealed the first four installments of our Holiday Gift Guide, each of which was inspired by an iconic film or TV character: Fiona Goode from FX’s American Horror Story: Coven, Regina George from Mean Girls, Margot Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenenbaums, and Mindy Lahiri from FOX’s The Mindy Project. For our fifth gift guide round-up, we looked to the quirkiest, goofiest, most sweetly naïve, bubbly and effervescent, retro-loving, hipster-y, “girly girl” on TV: Jessica Day. Played by Zooey Deschanel, the title character of FOX’s hit series The New Girl can be credited with making the term “adorkable” a part of our everyday vernacular. These gifts would make any girl who is as simultaneously awkward and awesome — not to mention lovable and stylish — as Jess sing their own giddy little ditty.
The Body Shop Glazed Apple Tin of Treasures, $20. Available at TheBodyShop-USA.com
The tradition of schoolchildren bringing apples to their teachers dates back to the 19th century and, for many, is a reference to the fruit borne by the tree of knowledge. Although she’s now a vice principal, Jess would appreciate this holiday-themed take on the apple-bringing tradition. For Holiday 2014, The Body Shop introduced this new gift set, which comes packaged inside a decorative apple-shaped tin. Once you remove the apple’s top lid, you’ll discover four limited-edition products from the Glazed Apple collection: a 1.69 oz. bottle of the scrumptious Glazed Apple Shower Gel, a 2.03 oz. container of the Glazed Apple Body Butter, a 2.03 oz. bottle of the lightweight Glazed Apple Body Lotion, a 2.54 oz. tube of the Glazed Apple Body Polish, and a green mini crinkle bath lily so you can smooth your shower gel and polish over your body and scrub-a-dub-dub! All of the products smell like a Granny Smith apple but with just a hint of caramel, infusing the fruity aroma with a sweet and homey vibe. Another great part of this buy: thanks to The Body Shop’s collaboration with War Child, 6 cents from the sale of each set will fund a class for a child in a conflict-ravaged zone. By buying this gift, then, you’ll be doing your part to fund children’s education.
Boden Ponte Skater Dress, $148. Available at BodenUSA.com
This fit-and-flare dress features the same 3/4-length sleeves and pleated, knee-length, full skirt as the red frock that Jess sings and twirls in during the opening montage of The New Girl. Made of a cotton, polyamide, and modal blend with 5% elastane for a bit of stretch, this ultra feminine dress will adapt to your body’s natural contours plus the classic decide can fit nicely into both a corporate environment or an after-hours setting.
White House Black Market Suede Bow Black Belt, $48. Available at WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com
It’s only logical that the woman who made a ribbon hat would choose to accessorize with bows at every possible turn. When she’s not wearing bows in her hair, they’re decorating her ballet flats or her belts. This black suede belt measures 1.5″ in width and features patent lather touches and shiny silver trim, making it ideal for cinching the waist when wearing A-line skirts and dresses.
Kate Spade Tied Up Pavé Stud Earrings, $48. Available at KateSpade.com
When it comes to jewelry, Jess is a minimalist, choosing only the daintiest stud earrings and, occasionally, a delicate necklace with a sweet charm. Anyone with a similar taste in jewelry would appreciate these 12k gold-plated, bow-shaped earrings, which measure 1″ in height and 0.25″ in weight and feature pavé-set crystals for a touch of bling.
Ann Taylor Jessa Suede Studded Flats, $98. Available at AnnTaylor.com
Can you imagine Jess in sky-high platform pumps, wedge sneakers, or combat boots? Probably not since she’s almost always clad in ballet flats like these suede ones from Ann Taylor, which feature a rounded square toe, gold-toned studs, a subtle bow detail along the front, and a polished metallic heel measuring 3/4″ in height.
Stila Cosmetics x BaubleBar Holiday 2014 Sparkling Rose Kit, $60. Available at StilaCosmetics.com
This holiday season, Stila has collaborated with online jewelry retailer BaubleBar on a series of limited-edition sets filled with shiny pretty things. The Stila Cosmetics x Sparkling Rose Kit would be perfect for bubbly, wide-eyed, kittenish gals like Jess. Packaged in a slim clutch made of a rose gold-colored, glittering PVC material and featuring a zippered top, this set includes a dainty rose-gold toned bracelet with an open top and knotted details on either end, a $10 gift card to BaubleBar.com, and three delightfully rosy makeup offerings: the Jewel Eye Shadow in Golden Topaz, a shimmer-packed, apricot-tinged, warm rose gold shade; the Deluxe Lip Glaze in Kaleidoscope, a sheer, bronze-tinged, rosy pink with a vinyl-like sheen; and the Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream in Lillium, a peachy pink hue that’s perfect for giving cheeks a just-pinched, flushed look. Check out swatches of the Golden Topaz Jewel Eye Shadow and the Lillium Convertible Color below:
Since Jess tends to favor subtle, understated beauty looks that involve rosy cheeks, muted pink lips, and va-va-va-voom lashes, she’d swoon over this kit, along with the demure bracelet accompanying it.
Joe Boxer Women’s Cupcake Print Pajama Shirt & Pants, $18.22. Available at Kmart.com
Part of Jessica Day’s quirkiness involves her love of adorable printed pajamas. Rather than donning sexy silky camisoles or tossing onT-shirts and shorts, Jess likes to lounge in the old-school pajama sets: long-sleeved button-front shirts with notched collars and stretch waist pants with drawstring waists. Yes, these may typically be associated with elementary-aged children but Jess makes the infantile look feel ingenious. She’d be charmed by this cozy flannel pajama set, featuring a cutesy cupcake design.
Chilli Beans Take A Bow Eyeglasses, $37.50. Available at ChilliBeans.com
These retro-inspired glasses capture Jess’s vintage-flavored look perfectly thanks to their acetate, square-shaped frames, while the bow accents along the sides add just the right amount of girly fun.
Tibi Belted Embroidered Dress, $695. Available at Tibi.com
This sweeter-than-pie dress captures the 1950s aesthetic that was so influential in shaping Jessica Day’s personal style. The powder blue color automatically conjures up images of the ’50s, while the embroidered lace infuses a coquettish and ladylike feel to the design. The felted navy blue panels along the center, meanwhile, create a figure-flattering, color-blocked effect.
Mikimoto x Hello Kitty 6.5x6mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand With Blue Enamel Bow Set in 18k White Gold, $4950. Available at Mikimoto.com
Mikimoto, the brand that introduced the first cultured pearl to the world in 1893, joined forces with Sanrio this season to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary via a truly memorable capsule collection. Among the standouts, you’ll find this gorgeous necklace, made of cultured pearls measuring 6.5 x 6 mm. As a subtle nod to Sanrio’s reigning feline, the necklace includes a blue enamel bow charm set in 18k white gold. Jessica Day would look polished and purr-fect when dressing up in these pearls.
Joe Fresh Light Blue Cashmere Cardigan, $99. Available at JoeFresh.com
Both of the ladies who rule FOX’s comedy-filled Tuesday nights, Mindy Lahiri and Jessica Day, have a penchant for cardigans. But who owns more of them? Well, our money is on Jess, who has rocked red, sky blue, fuchsia, cobalt, navy, forest green, pastel yellow, black, burgundy, emerald, and ivory numbers throughout the show’s four seasons. This button-front cardigan is made of 100% cashmere, so it’s as buttery soft as it is chic.
Anna Sui Fairy Dance Eau de Toilette Limited Edition Bohemian Caravan, $60. Available at Beautylish.com
Packaged inside a lunchbox-like tin box illustrated to resemble a gypsy caravan, this whimsical Anna Sui fragrance set speaks to the childlike fascination, bubbly disposition, and innocent femininity of Jessica Day. The caravan-themed illustrations on the lunchbox tin speak to the aromatic voyage that awaits gift recipients when they open the front latches of the box and discover the cargo within this “vehicle:” Anna Sui’s Fairy Dance fragrance, a joyful fruity floral scent with top notes of zesty tangerine, succulent mango, and spicy pink pepper; a romantic heart of peony, rose, and bamboo for a hint of freshness; and seductive but subtle base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, and vanilla. Why not give the “Jess” in your live a “Fairy” Christmas?
Stella & Dot Vintage Crystal Studs, $24. Available at StellaDot.com
Not only are these stud earrings diminutive and delicate, but these lovely 1/2″ stud earrings feature hand-set crystal glass stones nestled inside antique 10-prong castings with silver plating for a Victorian-inspired, heirloom-like feel that vintage-loving vixens will cherish.
Benefit Cosmetics Pretty Parfait Holiday Kit, $39. Available at ULTA.com
As a former fat kid with a wicked sweet tooth, Jess would love the dessert shop theme of this boxed gift set from Benefit Cosmetics. But the collectible and reusable tin isn’t what’s truly important — it’s the treats within that would have her wide eyes practically bulging out of their sockets. See, the retro rad tin incorporates four of Benefit Cosmetics’ best-selling beauty goodies: a full-sized tube of They’re Real! Mascara, a perfect gift for Jess-like girls who are all lashes and bangs; a full-sized tube of the Stay Don’t Stray primer, an easy-to-use eye shadow primer with a dip-and-dab wand featuring a sponge tip applicator; a full-sized tube of Gimme Brow in Light/Medium, a brow tint that helps to fill in arches and keep unruly hairs in place for stronger and more well-defined brows; and a deluxe sample of the POREfessional, a pore-minimizing, shine-reducing primer.
J. Crew Dulci Glitter Stripe Kitten Heels, $238. Available at JCrew.com
Mochi Things 2015 Large Pattern Monthly Planner, $15.37. Available at MochiThings.com
Even before being appointed to the role of vice principal, Jess always went the extra mile for her students, teaching them how to play the bells, crafting a “Spirit Stick” for them to pass around when expressing their feelings, and breaking out her guitar to perform anti-bullying songs. But now that she’s an administrator, her days are even more jam-packed, which requires even better organizational skills. Whether she’s planning the middle school dance, forcing Coach to sign paperwork regarding his fling with the school nurse, or attending a weekend-long educator’s seminar, Jess can keep track of all her professional obligations with this adorable planner, which contains 2 Calendar pages, 2 Yearly Plan pages, 30 Monthly Plan pages (15 months), 28 Lined Note pages, and 1 Personal Information page. Spanning from October 2014 through December 2015, this quaint planner comes in five patterns: Aloha, Camping, Bonjour, Circus, and My Farm. Given that her checks have baby farm animals, and that she had such a memorable (albeit disastrous and nearly fatal) outdoorsy Thanksgiving last year, she might chuckle at the Farming themed planner (shown above).
Forever 21 Tweed Bow Hair Barrette, $2.90. Available at Forever21.com
Whenever she doesn’t feel like tying shimmery strips of organza around her hair, Jess can simply rely on pre-made bows like the one adorning this 6″-wide barrette. Preppy and posh, this hair accessory features a tweed bow with clustered faux pearls along its center.
Babycakes Full Size Cupcake Maker, $24.99. Available at TheBabyCakesShop.com
Remember how confused Jess was when Nick’s former lawyer fling Julia declared she “wasn’t a desserts person”? As an avid baker, she’d appreciate the convenience of this pink cupcake maker, which allows users to cook half a dozen standard-sized treats in just 5 minutes. Featuring 800 watts of power, this quirky novelty appliance incorporates six baking plates with non-stick coated cavities in which to place your cupcake liners. Once you’ve filled each liner with yummy batter, you can just press the lid down and latch the handle, then wait until the light signals that your baked treats are ready.
Shiny Round Quilted Clutch, $21.18. Available at GoJane.com
In the Season 1 “Thanksgiving” episode, Jess accessorized her festive red dress and glossy black ballet flats with a black, round cross-body purse featuring gold-toned studs. This delightfully affordable handbag will help Jessica Day style aficionados achieve a similar look. Measuring 7″ in diameter, the round faux leather purse features diamond-shaped quilting along the front, as well as an adjustable, 55″-long shoulder strap that allows users to transform the clutch into a cross-body bag.
Saint James Boutique Naval II Striped T-shirt, $130. Available at SaintJamesBoutique.com
Nautical stripes are a crucial part of any ’50s-inspired wardrobe — something Jess knows all too well. Whether she’s pairing a nautical-themed top with high-waisted shorts, a flouncy skirt, or a pleated A-line skirt, she loves to give her ensembles a seafaring vibe. This striped, 100% cotton T-shirt — featuring a boat neck, side slits, and 7/8-long sleeves — will help any gal flirt with a Bardot-esque maritime motif.
Temp-tations Polka Dot Figural Measuring Spoon Set, $14.37. Available at QVC.com
When she defended her right to be a “girly” girl to Nick’s then-girlfriend Julia, Jess made sure to mention that she “rocks a lot of polka dots.” And indeed, the girl is typically covered in so many spots that she’s practically a ladybug! This measuring spoon set, then, would be a welcome addition to her kitchen. The ceramic figural is shaped like a spotted chicken and includes slots for four measuring spoons arranged in a staggered row so as to resemble the hen’s feathered tail. Along the chicken’s rear, then, you’d find a 1-tbsp. spoon, a 1-tsp. spoon, a 1/2 tsp. spoon, and a 1/4 tsp. measuring spoon. Measuring 5 1/2″ in length, 3″ in width, and 6″ in height, this figural will add a bit of sunshine to any kitchen counter while also keeping your measuring spoons handy and organized.
J. Crew Factory Three-Quarter Sleeve Tipped Peter Pan Collar Tee, $36. Available at Factory.JCrew.com
Rounded, Peter Pan collars exude a charmingly nostalgic feel, which is precisely why Jess types would treasure this heather gray cotton top with its white Peter Pan color, outlined in black for an even bolder bit of contrast.
Gap Plaid Wool Trouser Shorts, $49.95. Available at Gap.com
H&M Dotted Tights, $9.95. Available at Hm.com
Whether wearing high-waisted shorts or A-line skirts, Jess always makes sure to steer away from being too revealing by covering her legs in a fun pair of tights like these black polka dot ones from H&M.
Kate Spade New York Jazz Piano Cap Toe Ballet Flats, $228. Available at Bloomingdales.com
Kate Spade New York Raccoon iPhone 5 & 5s Case, $45. Available at Nordstrom.com
The Marc Jacobs bunny-eared iPhone case in which Jess has kept her mobile secure has come to its last pounce. Help her switch things up while staying true to the cute critter motif by gifting her thus silicone iPhone case, which resembles a raccoon and features the type of sculptural elements that made MJ’s case so popular.
St. Jude Ceramic Cookie Jar, $28. Available at GiftShop.StJude.org
Jess types have a soft spot for kids — after all, their jobs involve shaping these young minds in hopes of securing a better future for them. The idea of a present that also gives back to a children’s health organization, then, would fill them with joy. Though meant to keep cookies fresh and crisp, this polka dot-covered, hand-painted jar can also be used to store everything from coffee beans to hazelnuts, caramels, biscotti, and more. Measuring 18″ in height and 16″ in width, this whimsical jar features the phrase “There’s No Place Like St. Jude” written across the front in child-like letters. Needless to say, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each jar will benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is devoted to finding a cure for pediatric cancer.
Olive & Oak Color Block Pullover, $68. Available at OliveandOakNYC.com
When she’s not wearing cardigans over dresses or button-down blouses, or pairing her A-line skirts with bow-adorned, pearl-embellished, and polka dot sweaters, Jess tends to favor jumpers with simple striped and color-blocked motifs that nod to classic American sportswear. This color-blocked Olive & Oak sweater is right up her alley, with its juxtaposition of black and cream bars and the burgundy accents along the shoulders.
Tommy Hilfiger Kick Pleat Skirt, $99. Available at USA.Tommy.com
This pleated skirt is equal parts prep school student and naughty cheerleaders, making it feel traditional and tempting all at the same time. The synthetic fabric mimics real silk, giving the skirt extra movement as one walks, giving the flared design a bit more bounce. The trio of colors tucked in between each pleat, meanwhile, means that, as the skirt flares out, a sunburst-like surprise awaits!
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Reclaimed Wood Chalkboard, $49. Available at UrbanOutfitters.com
Not only does Jess write on the chalkboard in her classroom, but she keeps a smaller one in her bedroom so as to remind herself of upcoming appointments, household chores, birthdays, and more. This chalkboard is excellent for multi-taskers like Jess since it can be hung up on the wall and used as an organizer thanks to the three slots for correspondence and the three double-pronged hooks on which to hang scarves, coats, handbags, belts, and more. Measuring 18.5″ in width, 3.75″ in depth, and 23″ in height, this environment-friendly organizational tool was crafted using reclaimed wood and metal recycled from water gutters.
Ban.do Print & Shine Bobby Set, $15. Available at ShopBanDo.com
Though she loves wearing her hair down in loose waves, Jess does occasionally put her her hair up — whether it’s half up and styled with a bit of a Bardot-esque bump, tied into a high ponytail, or woven into a messy chignon — and, when she plays with updos, she tends to rely on playful barrettes and bobby pins. She’d do a double-take over this retro bobby pin set, which features one pin covered in a seafoam green faux leather and another wrapped in a white printed chiffon with a black polka dot print.
Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Martha Studs, $50. Available at EmilyElizabethJewelry.com
These floral earrings will add sparkle to any holiday ensemble but will do so in an understated and demure manner that’s in keeping with Jessica Day’s unassuming style. Each gold-plated stud earrings features a faceted Swarovski crystal at its center. Choose between Cornflower Blue, Mint Green, Ivory Pearl, and Silver Gray to make these blossoms feel like a personalized bouquet for your earlobes.
Bea & Dot Beacon of Charm Dress, $124.99. Available at ModCloth.com
In the recent “Teachers” episode, Jess tried to avoid her work crush Ryan while in a school hallway by literally tossing a clipboard aside and running away moments after he greeted her and asked about her weekend (yes, typical panic mode move). And, despite the awkwardness of the scene, she looked adorable in this very Bea & Dot dress. The sleeveless, deep blue cotton frock features the A-line silhouette Jess tends to favor, as well as some colorful accents like a plaid print along the notched collar and belt.
Milly NY Sienna Crossbody Mini, $225. Available at Milly.com
Whenever she’s not lugging the oversize bags in which she carries her school supplies, Jess favors modest cross-body bags. The Milly Sienna Crossbody Mini bag, fashioned our of Italian leather, features the polka dots Jess adores in a golden metallic hue, as well as a retro-flavored push-lock closure, and a 24″-long shoulder strap with leather and gold chain accents.
Ariel Gordon Jewelry The Menagerie Teddy Bear Necklace, $315. Available at ArielGordonJewelry.com
Considering that she still has a blankie she enjoys cuddling with, it’s surprising that Jess doesn’t have a teddy bear perched atop her bed. But even if she feels a bit too grown up for a stuffed animal, she would appreciate this delicate Menagerie Teddy Bear Charm Necklace, which makes a sweet statement while tapping into out most cherished childhood memories. Available in 14k yellow gold, 14k rose gold or sterling silver, this necklace comes with a 16″-long chain and features an itty-bitty teddy bar charm measuring only 1/8″ in height.
Alice + Olivia Porla Collared Sweater, $297. Available at AliceAndOlivia.com
Parisian “it” girl meets schoolgirl chic in this Alice + Olivia sweater, made of a wool and cashmere blend and featuring a detachable Peter Pan collar and cuff in a crisp white hue.
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat, $89.95. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
When solid-colored ballet flats start feeling a bit tired, feminine footwear lovers can update their looks by choosing styles with slightly more adventurous patterns or textures. These leather ballet flats feature an embossed lizard skin pattern in a moody metallic pewter color, as well as black accent stripes and a bow detail at the toe to keep the piece ladylike.
Josie Maran Beautiful Dreams Argan Oil Nourishing 5-Piece Luxury Body Collection, $79.96. Available at QVC.com
As a do-gooder, animal rights activist, and environmentally-minded citizen, Jess types know to support beauty brands that are both eco-conscious and socially responsible. And, as a Portland-to-Cali transplant, she’d be all the happier to support LA-based green beauty brand Josie Maran, started by the famed model and activist. This holiday season, the luxurious natural cosmetics and skincare brand is offering a sophisticated set of radiance-boosting products to keep skin hydrated, glowy, soft, and supple. The Beautiful Dreams set, then, incorporates three divine face and body products, all formulated featuring fatty acid-rich argan oil grown and harvested by co-ops of Moroccan women. These products are the Whipped Argan Oil Illuminizing Body Butter, a velvety cream infused with a beach-y vanilla peach aroma and featuring hydrating argan oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter, along with a touch of bronze shimmer for a natural lit-from-within glow; the Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil, which is dispensed as a cream but melts into the skin like an oil and which can be used as a facial moisturizer, lip conditioner, eyebrow tamer, sunburn relief salve, or cuticle cure; and the Pure Argan Oil, a super concentrated multi-purpose wonder that can be used for everything from softening rough elbows to healing cracked cuticles and scaly lips, taming frizz, and sealing split ends (it comes with a dropper since it’s so power-packed that a couple of drops will suffice). Next, to give your cheeks a healthy glow while also infusing the skin with antioxidants, collagen-boosting fatty acids, and hydrating agents, the set includes two 0.55 oz. Argan Color Sticks: one in Pink Picnic, a sunset pink hue with a golden glow, and the other in Plum Sugar, a slightly deeper, berry-tinged hue.
Bea & Dot Peppy Personality Dress, $89.99. Available at ModCloth.com
This vintage-inspired frock fulfills every criteria in Jess’s cute dress checklist. Fit-and-flare silhouette? Check! Polka dot pattern? Double check! Exaggerated flared skirt? Indeed! Bow accent? You got it! Secretary-meets-sailor-girl neckline? Absolutely! It’s polka dot peppiness manifested via fashion.
Burt’s Bees Holiday 2014 Mani Pedi Kit, $14.99. Available at BurtsBees.com
Whether sitting at home watching Dirty Dancing for the 100th time, catching up on some girl talk with Cece, or just reading in her room, Jess can keep her feet and hands nice and soft with this Burt’s Bees kit, which includes the soothing Peppermint Foot Lotion, formulated with peppermint and menthol to cool achy feet, as well as coconut oil and glycerin to hydrate the skin and smooth away calluses; the Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream, which replenishes moisture to dry, scaly, rough hands thanks to a combination of shea butter, sesame seed oil, rosehip oil, borage oil, macadamia oil, and sunflower oil; and the Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, a thick, power-punched salve that relies on cocoa butter and sweet almond oil to soften cuticles, as well as vitamin E and sunflower oil to strengthen brittle and peeling nails. Adding to the set’s charm, these products come with a groovy, retro-flavored cosmetic pouch in a graphic print consisting of rows of concentric semi-circles.
Lulu’s Street Style Teal Blue Handbag, $43. Available at Lulus.com
The sleek, structural, trapezoid-like shape of this vegan leather handbag automatically lends it a throwback feel, as do such accents as the golden turn-lock closure and cheeky top handle. Measuring 9.5″ in width, 9″ in height, and 3″ in depth, it’s the perfect way to complement a prim dress — whether you choose to grip the top handle or employ the detachable shoulder strap for cross-body wear.
Lulu’s Glimmer of Hope Silver Rhinestone Headband, $19. Available at Lulus.com
When attending holiday fêtes, Jess adds a bit of glitz to her party frocks via shiny headbands like this stretchy number, which features rows of rhinestones and metallic gunmetal studs for a glamorous feel.
Darling Delphine Printed Dress, £59. Available at DarlingClothes.com
Seeing as she “brakes for birds,” Jess would love the winged creatures printed on this blue A-line dress from Darling Clothes, which features subtle pin-tucks below the waist and a slim belt that nips the waist for a streamlined silhouette.
Options Interchangeable Caspian Circular Knitting Needle Set, $49.99. Available at Knitpicks.com
In addition to scrapbooking, baking cupcakes, and playing with glitter, Jess loves to knit. If you have a similarly enthusiastic knitter in your midst, consider gifting her this needle set, which is recommended for both beginner and experienced knitters. All of the knitting needles in the set are made of laminated birch in an oceanic, wave-like pattern that incorporates sea green, teal and marine blue hues. The kit comes in a handy, see-through vinyl pouch with 9 needle pockets in which to stash each 4 3/4″-long needle tips, as well as two 4 1/2″ pockets on the back to store cables.
Cynthia Rowley Racer Rib Fitted Crepe Dress, $140. Available at CynthiaRowley.com
Though Jess owns her fair share of date-ready LBDs, she’d feel most comfortable in this sporty take on the wardrobe essential given its sweater-like fabric and the classic stripes ribbing the collar and sleeve cuffs.
First Aid Beauty Cheers to FAB Skin Kit, $48. Available at Sephora.com
Given that Jess types prefer a minimalist approach to makeup, it’s essential that they keep their skin in tip-top shape. The First Aid Beauty Cheers to Fab Skin kit will help to accomplish this feat. All FAB offerings are formulated under the guidance of dermatologist Dr. Robert Burka and are designed to be gentle enough for all skin types, blending the best of science and natural remedies to create effective formulas that are pleasantly devoid of harsh chemicals, harsh detergents and allergens like phtalates, parabens, and artificial fragrances and dyes. As the moniker First Aid Beauty implies, the brand specializes in solution-based skincare products that target such problematic conditions as eczema, acne, and hyperpigmentation. This applause-worthy kit features all the essentials a girl needs to achieve a healthy, clear, glowing, youthful-looking complexion. For starters, the kit includes a 2 oz. tube of the FAB First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, which removes surface oil, makeup, and dirt while soothing irritated skin thanks to calming botanicals like aloe and camellia leaf extract. Next, to exfoliate the skin and remove any pore-clogging bacteria while also promoting cellular turnover and revealing new layers of glowing skin, users can rely on the 28-count jar of FAB Facial Radiance Pads, pre-moistened towelettes that contain clarifying and exfoliating lactic acid and glycolic acid, toning gooseberry extract, and luminosity-boosting licorice root and lemon peel. Next, to replenish dry skin, the kit offers a 6 oz. jar of the fabulous Ultra Repair Cream, which has a delectable whipped texture that’s indulgent without feeling too thick or greasy. Even the most distressed skin will feel some much-needed relief when this cream is applied thanks to the colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus and ceramides in the formula. To diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles and smooth any fine lines, users can dab a drop of the FAB Eye Duty Triple Remedy cream included in the kit, which even features a metallic applicator tip to relieve puffiness. And, to keep pouts smooth and kissable, this kit includes a 0.5 oz. tube of the FAB Ultra Repair Lip Therapy, which contains humectants and antioxidant-rich ingredients like colloidal oat flour, shea butter, glycerin, grape seed oil, jojoba seed oil, licorice root extract, and white tea extract.
Laqa & Co. Box of Awesomeness, $40. Available at LaqaAndCo.com
As a teacher, Jess is always bringing home art supplies, not to mention helping her kids with all their creative endeavors — whether it involves the stage backdrops for their school musicals or their “creative dream expressions” art projects (lest we forget, the latter is how she met former flame Russell). Ever the arts lover, then, Jess would appreciate the unique artwork on this Laqa & Co. kit, an abstract motif created by Martin Sati exclusively for the brand. What’s inside the kit would also enthrall her: a Lip Lube Pencil, a Fat Lip Pencil, a pocket-sized Lil Lip, and a Nail Polish pen for manicures on-the-go. In particular, the Box of Awesomeness kit includes: a full-sized The Boss Lady Lip Lube, a jumbo-sized, crayon-like lip pencil formulated with cooling peppermint and hydrating shea butter that coats lips with a sheer light nude hue; a full-sized Fat Lip Pencil in Palate Cleanser, an oxblood red hue that’s slightly deeper than the best-selling, saturated Ring of Fire color; a Wolfman Lil’ Lip, a mini version of the Fat Lip Pencil in a pretty bubblegum pink; and a full-sized Fancypants Nail Polish, a creamy and moody taupe-ish hue that comes in a clickable pen with a brush tip applicator that allows you to apply the polish to your fingernails while at home, on the subway, or in the car.
Below, you’ll find samples of the Lip Lube in The Boss Lady, as well as the Fat Lip Pencil in the jolly and season-appropriate Ring of Fire:
As I mentioned, the current Box of Awesomeness includes a slightly different shade of red than the one pictured above, but you can get an idea of the creamy finish and the outstanding color pay-off!
Future Sticks Portable Chopsticks Set, $9.95. Available at FutureSticks.com
Remember how livid Jess was over the local Chinese restaurant’s eco-hazardous practices (i.e. the seven menus they slipped under her door daily)? Well, as someone who is always mindful of eco-friendly practices, Jess would give an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the Future Sticks portable chopsticks set. These patent-pending portable and reusable utensils come in clutch-friendly cases and are reusable and dishwasher safe. Each chopstick consists of two pieces that can be joined together with ease to create an 8″ chopstick. When separated, however, the two pieces measure about 4″ in length, making them all the more compact and easier to store in the aforementioned case. Each chopstick features a traditional tapered end while the other features end featured patented Future Stick teeth that make it all the easier to pick up food. These ridged ends allow for less experienced chopstick wielders to pinch even the smallest grains of sticky rise with the mastery of more experienced chopstick users.
